Fr. Tony Update: Low Sunday not so low afer all.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PitterPat: Followup on Yesterday's Entry
Low Sunday Not So Low After All....
What a lovely turn out for Tony's first service back at the altar, after some weeks dealing with cancer issues. The Sunday after Easter is always known to have a very low turnout, but not here at Becket!
Tony was so delighted to see everyone, and I was thrilled he could be there, as I know how much he's missed. Pastor (though he "should be" called Priest) Matthew assisted with the service this morning. It's always lovely to have him at Becket, since he feels like part of the family.
Tony awoke this morning, still with a fever, and feeling a bit cruddy. He preached a wonderful sermon, but unfortunately was too pooped out to stay and visit with everyone after church. Many made their way to his office to say hello, inquire about how he's doing, and wish him well. It was probably best we didn't stick around too long, as I should think his immune system is quite compromised, following last week's chemo treatment.
Next week will be a busy weekend. Bishop Mike will be here to do confirmations, and also meet with Tony and the vestry. It's very exciting to have so many members in the confirmation class.
We arrived home following church, I fixed Tony some nice scrambled eggs and toast, then off to bed he went.... unfortunately the fever and what I think is residual affects of the steroids, prevent him from sleeping too soundly. But, this too shall pass./span>
April 19th is just around the corner, and our dear priest will be turning 67! So, if you've received this blog, and have yet to send your birthday wishes, it's not too late. This is a particularly important birthday, considering the past several months. Tony has an appointment with his oncologist on his birthday. He's sent word to Dr. Craig that cake and presents will not be necessary. grin
Remember, if you can't see the image clearly, just click on it.
Follow-up on Yesterday's Blog
You may have noticed the blog entry date and time were a reasonable hour of the day, but in reality, the blog was written during the weeeeee hours of the morning. (I need to refrain from "publishing" after 9pm and before 9am!) Having reread my entry, I thought I'd take a few moments to clarify something.
Whether he's having a good day or bad, he's at his prayers, morning, noon and night. He communicates with Episcopalians and Anglicans round the globe, daily. As he's able, he does all he can to try and keep things flowing in the parish.He feels the burdensome weight the Church is presently enduring, and knows the pain God must surely feel as a result of all the nonsense.
Clarification: for those who aren't Episcopalians, you may not realize when I said the word "Church", I meant the "whole" of the Church, not our local parish. Over the past several years the Episcopal Church USA has been struggling through a difficult time. As Tony lives and breathes the Anglican faith, he's all too aware how dreadful this strife and strain is on the fabric of the Anglican Communion.
Though I attempted to express my thoughts about Tony, his ministry, and my awe of him, I believe some more interesting points may have been left out. To help in my effort, I'll resort to the prayer book, by which our Episcopal/Anglican priests are called into service.
THAT it may please thee to bless these thy servants, now to be admitted to the Order of Priests, and to pour thy grace upon them; that they may duly exercise their Office, to the edifying of thy Church, and the glory of thy holy Name; (1928 Book of Common Prayer)
Have you ever contemplated the depth of commitment a priest makes when ordained? If you think about it, the process is "awe"some! From the moment of ordination, they're inspired to fulfill their calling, be a beacon to all, instructing and uplifting, spiritually and morally, to all who cross their path.
The thought of such an enormous undertaking seems a bit daunting to us lay folk, or anyone in their right mind. Can you imagine applying for a job, after years of training, then being told by THE BOSS, "We fully expect you to":
- be on call 24/7 for the balance of your life
- visit and care for your co-workers, as well as non employees where applicable
- at every opportunity, lovingly instruct your coworkers on how to be a better employee for the company, thus enabling them to undertake the same task as per the guidelines in the company manual
- assist your coworkers with their love and devotion toward their children
- nurture and instruct your coworkers' children, as they will one day be an employee of the company, with THE BOSS'S help
- always put your work above your family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances
- never befriend a coworker, as other coworkers may find this offensive
- devote every hour not on the job to: bettering your ability to do your job; recruiting new employees to the company; visiting the sick and suffering within and without the company, and surrounding community
- seek out ways to grow and expand your department and the company
- inspire others to grow and expand the company
- assist every employee with their emotional and spiritual well being
- you will be directly responsible for the guidance and instruction of all new employees to your department
- should the moment arise where two employees must form a union, you will be responsible for their training and fostering of said union
- all new employees to your department will be under your guidance
- never stumble over the temptations of the competitor (and the competitor can be a sneaky, foul smelling creature)
- every waking moment, be a an inspiration to all you come in contact with
- never let a discouraging word pass your lips
- never plan to retire, be ill, take an unreasonable (more then a day or two) amount of time off
- plan to be at your desk, fulfilling your life long obligation to THE BOSS, encouraging all others to join you at your desk as often as possible
- expect one fulfilling bonus by accepting your role as an employee to THE BOSS... that while you're at your desk, inspiring, encouraging, educating and uplifting your coworkers, all your aches, pains, sorrows and worries will automatically be transferred directly to THE BOSS.
- do your job with as little help as possible, but anticipate a heavy workload
- while not physically in the workplace, spend your time focusing on each and every employee you work with, at least a few times a day, for the rest of your life
- never "expect" to be commended, recognized, honored or understood, as this is strictly against company policy, and is a detriment to your productivity and emotional well being
- plan on joining your coworkers to feast regularly on pasta salads, jello based fruit dishes, really bad coffee and chemical creamer
- when appropriate the company will host special events, to which you will be expected to attend, and (refer to number 16). Smiling helps.
- never worry over company money matters as this is the sole responsibility of THE BOSS. Remind your co workers, department heads and board members of this company policy. Not adhering to this policy is a detriment to your work, the work of others, and inhibits the growth of your department and the company. Plan to have problems enforcing this company policy.
- fully expect your children to not understand your new role in the company, and invest in a padded cell for your wife
- anticipate conflict with a handful of employees (and even some upper management) who may see you as a threat, an outsider, an insider, an idiot, a know it all, a money pitt, or (THE BOSS help you)..... as incapable of doing your job, according to their personal work style, and not that of the company guidelines.... clearly spelled out in the 1979 updated version of the employee manual. (be advised that the 1979 updated version of the employee manual may be altered, or eliminated at any point in time, by assistant managers of the company, but not necessarily with the approval of THE BOSS)
- be fully aware that there are workers on your same level who may not be as qualified as you, again... refer to number 16.
- always treat your coworkers and management as a valued employee of THE BOSS, regardless of how many ways they may attempt to prove otherwise
As you can see, I clearly left out some valid points. :) All jesting aside, I'm in awe of any good priest who can actually fulfill their "calling". None of us can begin to comprehend the massive responsibility voluntarily taken on to their shoulders. I mean.... the ultimate responsibility.... OUR SALVATION! and.... it's the good priests who do it without skipping a beat.
Much love to you all. PitterPat ;c)
